[0:00]Plant and equipment. Every year, around Australia, people are seriously injured or killed when they work with machinery and equipment, which can be known as plant. Common examples of plant include cranes, hoists, elevated work platforms, powered mobile plant, pressure equipment, tractors, earth moving equipment, quad bikes, forklifts, harvesters, pumps, saws and cutting machines, drill and grinders, power presses and injection molding machines, mixers, packaging equipment. The OHS hierarchy of control plays an important part of all workplace activities, especially when using plant and equipment. So before you use any plant, always check to see if you can eliminate the risk. You must always try to do this first. For example, replace an existing machine with a new one that doesn't have the same risks. Use substitution, isolation or engineering controls to reduce the risk. You may need a combination of these measures. An example of substitution is using a cordless grinder instead of one with a cord. Isolation could be achieved by adding a guard or safety barriers to large plant. Administrative controls include things like lockout, tag out systems, supervision and giving correct information, instructions and training. This may include a training specialist that can also provide a license to use the plant, for example, a forklift or elevated work platform. Personal protective equipment can also reduce the risk of injuries. PPE includes ear muffs, breathing respirators, toe capped footwear, hard hats and high-vis vests. Before using any plant and equipment, you will need specialized training, or you may even need a specific license. Many plant and equipment also have specific codes of practice and operating instructions. Always check with your supervisor or OHS rep before doing any work you are not familiar with. Always remember, safety first. www.safetyfirst.org.au.
Plant and Equipment - Safety First Safety Basics
Apprenticeship Employment Network
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Working with machinery and equipment, broadly termed as "plant," poses significant safety risks in Australian workplaces, leading to serious injuries or fatalities annually. Common examples range from cranes and forklifts to earth-moving equipment and power presses. To mitigate these dangers, the OHS hierarchy of control is crucial. The primary step is always to eliminate the risk, such as replacing old, risky machinery with newer, safer models.
If elimination isn't possible, the next steps involve reducing the risk through substitution, isolation, or engineering controls. Substitution might involve using a cordless grinder instead of a corded one, while isolation could include adding guards or safety barriers. Administrative controls, like lockout/tag-out systems, proper supervision, and comprehensive training, are also vital. This training might include obtaining specific licenses for operating equipment like forklifts. Finally, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as earmuffs, respirators, safety footwear, hard hats, and high-visibility vests, provides an additional layer of protection.
Before operating any plant and equipment, specialized training and, in many cases, a specific license are required. It's also essential to adhere to specific codes of practice and operating instructions for each piece of machinery. Workers should always consult their supervisor or OHS representative before undertaking unfamiliar tasks to ensure "safety first."
Key Takeaways
- Working with plant and equipment (machinery) causes serious injuries and fatalities in Australia annually.
- The OHS hierarchy of control is essential for managing risks associated with plant.
- Prioritize risk elimination (e.g., replacing old machinery) as the first and most critical step.
- If elimination is not possible, reduce risk through substitution (cordless grinder), isolation (guards/barriers), or engineering controls.
- Implement administrative controls such as lockout/tag-out, supervision, information, and specialized training/licensing.
- Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like earmuffs, respirators, safety footwear, hard hats, and high-vis vests to minimize injury risk.
- Always receive specialized training, obtain necessary licenses, and consult supervisors or OHS reps before operating unfamiliar plant.
Topics Covered
[0:00]Every year, around Australia, people are seriously injured or killed when they work with machinery and equipment, which can be known as plant.
[0:00]The OHS hierarchy of control plays an important part of all workplace activities, especially when using plant and equipment.
[0:00]For example, replace an existing machine with a new one that doesn't have the same risks.
[0:00]An example of substitution is using a cordless grinder instead of one with a cord.
